Metroplasty versus expectant management for women with recurrent miscarriage and a septate uterus

Background The prevalence of recurrent miscarriage in women with a septate uterus has increased. Restoration of the morphology of the uterus can hypothetically increase live birth rate and subsequent pregnancies in women with a septate uterus and recurrent miscarriage. Objectives To determine whether hysteroscopic metroplasty in women with a septate uterus and two or more preceding miscarriages improves pregnancy outcomes. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register (inception to August 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (inception to August 2010), MEDLINE (1950 to August 2010), EMBASE (1980 to August 2010). PSYCHINFO(1806 to August 2010). In addition we searched trial registers for ongoing and registered trials, conference abstracts and OpenSigle and sources of Grey literature. Selection criteria Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assess the effect on reproductive outcome of hysteroscopic metroplasty in women with a history of two or more preceding miscarriages and a septate uterus were eligible for inclusion. Data collection and analysis If there had been data to include, two authors would have independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. They would have also contacted study authors for additional information. We collected adverse effects information from the trials. Main results No randomised controlled trials were identified for inclusion. Authors' conclusions Hysteroscopic metroplasty in women with recurrent miscarriage and a septate uterus is being performed in many countries to improve reproductive outcomes in women. This treatment has been assessed in non-controlled studies, which suggested a positive effect on pregnancy outcomes. However, these studies are biased due to the fact that the participants with recurrent miscarriage treated by hysteroscopic metroplasty served as their own controls. Until now, the effectiveness and possible complications of hysteroscopic metroplasty have never been considered in a randomised controlled trial. Taking this into account there is insufficient evidence to support this treatment in these women. A randomised controlled trial is urgently needed and currently underway (www.studies-obsgyn.nl/trust NTR 1676)